Rustic Love - Mail Order Bride

By Rachel J. Moore

Jillian, depressed after not getting her much-awaited promotion at work, wants to get away from it all and start anew in a fresh environment. She goes to The Lakefront Ranch, expecting to fill in a high-paying managerial position with free board and lodging, but was terribly shocked upon finding out that the old ranch owner was actually looking forward to her coming — as his wife!

Apparently, there had been a mix-up at the agency. Now she's forced to work there to pay off the down payment he'd previously sent, which she thought had been a bonus. To make matters even worse, she meets the owner's son, gorgeous cowboy Jake who happens to be the college ex who had broken her heart many years ago. 

Is it just a coincidence or are they really destined to be together? Will Jillian be able to resist Jake's charms this time around or will she fall for him all over again despite the painful scars he'd left on her heart?

A Standalone Short Story with no cliffhanger! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clean & Wholesome Romance Club
• Release date: Nov 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386849209

Book preview

Rustic Love

CHAPTER 1

As 28-year-old Jillian Blake drove past the city proper and entered the highway leading to the countryside, she glanced wistfully at the buildings that could be seen through the rearview mirror. She still couldn't believe she'd actually agreed to take that job in the rural town of Lakefront, much less live on a ranch!

The only positive thing she was looking forward to now is being able to see her college best friend, Trish, who had moved to the country a few years ago to settle down with her husband, Rick, and focus on being a mom to her 6-year-old son.

Sighing, she gave herself another silent pep talk to prep her mind, heart, and soul for this new life she was about to begin. You need this job, Jill, she told herself. It's a great opportunity to earn a lot more while reaping the benefits of natural surroundings. You'll get to enjoy more peace and quiet. Besides, occupying a managerial position may just boost your career in the long run. Plus, the lodging and food are free, too...

Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud ring of her cellphone. She answered it with her hands-free set. Hello?

Jill! It was Trish, speaking in her usual jolly tone. Where are you now? I'm so excited to see you!

Hi, Trish, Jill replied, barely trying to mask the sadness and anxiety in her voice.

Is that how excited you are to see me after all these years? Trish demanded. Come on! Where's the Jill I used to party with?

Trish, that party girl is long gone. And I know that you're not exactly the Trish everyone back in college thought you'd become.

Oh, yeah, Trish answered with a laugh. We both turned out differently, but for the better.

Not sure about that, Jill remarked bitterly.

Jill, stop acting so miserable, her best friend reprimanded.

But I am miserable! she exclaimed, tears threatening to well up in her eyes again. Suddenly, everything that had happened the past week came rushing back— her painstakingly dressing up for the editors' meeting in the office, her boss announcing that Carrie, not her, would be taking over her position, her packing up her stuff after resigning from the company that she'd already considered her home, her getting drunk and almost hooking up with some stranger, Trish suddenly calling up to tell her that she'd gotten accepted for the ranch manager position.

Jill, just think of this as an adventure, Trish urged on a positive note. Didn’t you want a change of scenery? You never know, you might even meet someone special.

In the country? No, thanks, Jill said. And besides, I have way too many responsibilities. I don't have time for romance.

Will you listen to yourself? You sound like an old maid in the making! Trish pointed out. You've become so engrossed with work and with your financial obligations to your family that you're not giving yourself a chance to be truly happy. You're not getting any younger, you know.

I would've been happy if I'd gotten that promotion.

No, Trish disagreed. That's only because your entire life revolved around Trips & Trends Magazine for many years. And now that you have a whole new job to face, you should be excited. You'll finally meet new people, learn new skills, and be in a new environment... It's going to be awesome, Jill. I promise.

I really hope so, Trish, Jill said sincerely. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

In the background, Jill could hear a little boy crying. Trish was trying to calm him down. When she went back